⚡️ Quick Verdict - BEATS Studio3 Wireless (2017)
- Best For: iPhone users seeking seamless connectivity and strong active noise cancellation.
- Strengths: Reliable W1 chip performance, effective active noise cancellation for commuters, long battery life.
- Drawbacks: Dated Micro-USB charging port, bass-heavy sound profile not ideal for all genres, plastic build.
- Verdict: A solid choice for Apple ecosystem users prioritizing ANC.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Users frequently report the Pure ANC technology effectively reduces ambient noise, especially constant hums like plane engines or city traffic. | Some users find the ANC can introduce a slight hiss in very quiet environments or isn't as transparent as some newer competitors. |
| Connectivity & Pairing | Thanks to the integrated W1 chip, iPhone, iPad, and Mac users experience instantaneous and seamless pairing, as well as easy switching between Apple devices. | Android users or those outside the Apple ecosystem may find the pairing process less intuitive and lack the automatic device switching functionality. |
| Battery Life | Many users praise the extended battery life, often reaching the advertised 22 hours with ANC on, and even longer without, making them suitable for long trips. | A common complaint is the use of a Micro-USB port for charging, which is slower and less convenient compared to modern USB-C. |
| Sound Quality | Listeners who enjoy a punchy, bass-forward sound signature often find the Studio3 appealing for genres like hip-hop and electronic music. | For users seeking a more balanced or neutral audio experience, the overwhelming bass can sometimes overshadow mids and highs, leading to less detail. |
| Comfort & Design | The cushioned earcups and adjustable headband provide a comfortable fit for many users, even during extended listening sessions. | Some users report that the plastic construction can feel less premium than competitor models, and the clamping force can be too tight for those with larger heads. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones | The core product, offering wireless audio with active noise cancellation. |
| Carrying Case | Provides protection for the headphones during transport and storage, helping to maintain their condition. |
| 3.5mm RemoteTalk Cable | Allows for wired listening and provides in-line controls (volume, track control, call answering) for when battery runs out or for devices without Bluetooth. |
| USB-A to Micro-USB Charging Cable | Used to recharge the headphone battery. The Micro-USB standard indicates its older design compared to current USB-C widely used today. |
| Quick Start Guide | Helps users set up and understand the basic functions of the headphones. |
| Warranty Card | Important for understanding coverage and terms in case of defects or issues. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity & Durability | The headphones are generally built to last with proper care, and the folding design helps with storage. | The plastic construction, while lightweight, can show wear over time, and some users report hinge issues if not handled carefully. |
| Feature Set for Price | The combination of Apple's W1 chip for seamless connectivity, effective Pure ANC, and long battery life offered a compelling package upon release. | Compared to newer headphones, the lack of USB-C, transparency mode, or more advanced audio codecs might make it feel less competitive for its original price point. |
| Resale Value | Beats products generally maintain a reasonable resale value, especially within the Apple ecosystem, due to brand recognition. | As an older model with newer successors, its value depreciates more rapidly than current generation products. |
| Ecosystem Integration | Exceptional value for users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem due to the W1 chip's seamless multi-device switching. | For Android or Windows users, much of the added value from the W1 chip is lost, making it less unique compared to other Bluetooth headphones. |
🔁 Beats Comparison – How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
| Aspect | Beats Studio2 Wireless | BEATS Studio3 Wireless (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Standard adaptive noise cancellation. | Pure ANC (Adaptive Noise Cancellation) offers real-time audio calibration for improved noise reduction. |
| Chipset | Proprietary Bluetooth chip. | Apple W1 chip for enhanced connectivity with Apple devices. |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 12 hours. | Up to 22 hours. |
| Fast Charging | N/A | Fast Fuel: 10 minutes of charge provides 3 hours of playback. |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | Micro-USB (No change) |
⚔️ Alternatives vs BEATS Studio3 Wireless (2017)
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM3 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | BEATS Studio3 Wireless (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Industry-leading ANC with atmospheric pressure optimizing and personal optimization. | Excellent, well-regarded ANC with adjustable levels. | Effective Pure ANC. |
| Sound Profile | Balanced and highly customizable via companion app EQ. | Neutral and clear with a slight emphasis on highs. | Bass-heavy with punchy lows. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, LDAC and aptX HD support, USB-C. | Bluetooth 4.1, NFC. | Bluetooth Class 1, Apple W1 chip (primarily for Apple devices). |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 30 hours. | Up to 20 hours. | Up to 22 hours. |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Micro-USB | Micro-USB |
| App Support | Comprehensive Sony Headphones Connect app with extensive features. | Bose Connect app with limited customization. | No dedicated Beats app (controls integrated into iOS settings). |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Do the Beats Studio3 Wireless work with Android phones? Yes, the Beats Studio3 Wireless connect via standard Bluetooth to Android devices. However, you will not experience the seamless pairing and device switching benefits offered by the Apple W1 chip.
- Can I use the Beats Studio3 Wireless with a wired connection? Yes, the headphones come with a 3.5mm RemoteTalk cable that allows for wired listening and also provides in-line controls. This is useful if the battery runs out or for non-Bluetooth devices.
- How long does the battery last on the Beats Studio3 Wireless? With Pure ANC enabled, the headphones offer up to 22 hours of listening time. If Pure ANC is turned off, the battery life extends to up to 40 hours.
- What is Fast Fuel charging? Fast Fuel is a quick charging feature that provides 3 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging when the battery is low.
- Is the noise cancellation adjustable on the Beats Studio3 Wireless? The Pure ANC is adaptive and automatically calibrates to your environment. There are no manual levels to adjust, but you can turn ANC off to extend battery life.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The active noise cancellation is surprisingly effective, especially on flights, making commutes much more peaceful.
- I love how effortlessly these connect to my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook; the W1 chip is a game-changer for Apple users.
- Battery life is fantastic; I can go days without needing to recharge, even with ANC on most of the time.
- The sound has a great punchy bass that makes my hip-hop and electronic music feel alive.
- They are comfortable enough for long listening sessions, and the earcups provide a good seal.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- It's disappointing that it still uses a Micro-USB port for charging; USB-C would have been a significant upgrade.
- The sound profile is very bass-heavy, which can sometimes drown out the vocals and finer details in certain music genres.
- While comfortable, the plastic build quality doesn't always feel premium, especially compared to some competitors in the same price range.
- I noticed a slight background hiss when the ANC is on in very quiet environments, which can be a bit distracting.
- The clamping force can be a bit tight initially, taking some time to break in and become fully comfortable.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Class 1, Apple W1 chip |
| Noise Cancellation | Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC) |
| Battery Life (ANC on) | Up to 22 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC off) | Up to 40 hours |
| Fast Charging | Fast Fuel: 10-minute charge = 3 hours playback |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB |
| Audio Connection | 3.5mm analog input via RemoteTalk cable |
| Controls | On-ear controls for calls, music, and Siri activation |
| Form Factor | Over-ear, foldable |
| Weight | 260 g (9.17 oz) |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The BEATS Studio3 Wireless (2017) headphones stand out for their effective Pure ANC and the seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, thanks to the W1 chip.
- Users who prioritize a strong bass response for genres like hip-hop and electronic music, alongside long battery life for travel and daily commutes, will likely find these headphones enjoyable.
- However, potential buyers should be aware of the older Micro-USB charging port and a sound profile that might not appeal to those seeking a neutral or analytical listening experience.
- While newer models and alternatives offer updated features like USB-C and potentially more refined ANC, the Studio3 Wireless remains a viable option for Apple device owners looking for reliable wireless headphones with solid noise cancellation.
- Consider these if you value Apple's convenience and strong ANC, and don't mind the dated charging standard or a bass-forward sound signature.
